Fluid level control system for progressive cavity pump
AssigneeDJAX Corporation
InventorManuel Mills
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A control system controls a progressive cavity pump driven by a rod. The rod is powered by a prime mover, such as a variable speed drive. A proximity sensor outputs signals responsive to rotational positioning of the rod. A controller receives the signals and computes a time interval between selected signals corresponding to a selected number of rod rotations. The controller references a data set, compares the computed time interval with the data set, and selectively increases, decreases, or cycles power to the prime mover in response thereto, thereby controlling the fluid level within the well.
Claims25
A control system for controlling a progressive cavity pump downhole in a well having a variable fluid level, the pump driven by a rotating rod powered by a prime mover, the rod extending through a tubular to the pump, the pump for pumping fluid upward through the tubular, the control system comprising:
- a sensor for outputting signals responsive to rotational positioning of the rod;
- a controller for receiving the signals, computing a time interval between selected signals corresponding to a selected number of rod rotations, referencing a data set, comparing the computed time interval with the data set, and controlling power to the prime mover in response thereto, thereby controlling the fluid level within the well.
A control system for controlling a progressive cavity pump downhole in a well having a variable fluid level, the pump driven by a rotating rod powered by a variable power drive, the rod extending through a tubular to the pump, the pump for pumping fluid upward through the tubular, the control system comprising:
- a proximity sensor having a first member secured to the rod for rotating with the rod and a second member structurally separate from the rod, such that as the rod rotates to a selected rotational position the first member passes in proximity to the second member and the second member senses the proximity of the first member, the second member outputting signals in response thereto;
- a controller for receiving the signals, computing a time interval for a plurality of revolutions of the rod, referencing a data set, comparing the computed time interval with the data set, and selectively signaling the prime mover to increase or decrease power to increase or decrease rotation rate of the rod.
A method of controlling a progressive cavity pump downhole in a well having a variable fluid level, the pump driven by a rotating rod powered by a prime mover, the rod extending through a tubular to the pump, the pump for pumping fluid upward through the tubular, the control system comprising:
- using a sensor to output signals responsive to rotational positioning of the rod at a preselected rotational positions;
- receiving the signals and computing a time interval between selected signals corresponding to a selected number of rod rotations;
- and
- referencing a data set, comparing the computed time interval with the data set, and controlling power to the prime mover in response thereto, thereby controlling the fluid level within the well as a function of the fluid level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.